The Winnipeg Jets are first in the west and they're tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the most points in the league.

The last time a Winnipeg top-level pro hockey team was in this spot in early December was in 1975 when the Jets were in the WHA. They boasted a 17-7-0 record when the calendar flipped to December. They went on the win the Avco Cup that season, finishing the regular season with 106 points -- tied with the Houston Aeros for the most in the league.

Here's what else was happening at that time:

Royal assent was given to an act recognizing the beaver as an emblem of Canada on March 24, 1975.

The world's tallest free-standing structure at that point was completed. Construction of the CN Tower finished on April 2, 1975 (it began in February 1973). The tower was opened to the public June 26, 1976.

Microsoft was in its early days (founded April 4, 1975). Apple was yet to come (founded April 1976).

Saturday Night Live, which was created by a Canadian, debuted October 11, 1975.

The first Timbit was sold (April 1976).

Trudeau was Prime Minister -- Pierre Elliott, that is.

Product labeling was making the switch to metric.

There were about four-billion people in the world.

The Winnipeg Jets won another Avco in 1977/78, going 13-0-0 in February, and finishing top of the league that year. They won the cup again the next year, though finished third in the regular season standings. The Atlanta Thrashers finished first in their division in 2006/07; they were swept by the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs.